Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia thanked God for the people of the state, who witnessed this year’s celebration, despite the socio-economic challenges confronting the country.
The governor, in a statement by his media aide, Donald Kumun, urged the people to sustain the hope for a brighter future.
He described Christmas as a celebration that is divine, spiritual and honourable, saying that its lessons should be imbibed.
Rev. Fr. Alia enjoined Christians, and indeed all residents of Benue to emulate the virtues of love, peace, harmony and extention of a duty of care to their neighbours, particularly the needy, so that all can share in the joy of the celebrations.
He said,
“As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we must imbibe Christ-like behaviours, including simplicity, humility, kindness, passion, compasion and genuine love.
“We should reflect on the fate of our nation and pray for our leaders for God to lead them aright and we must cooperate with them in the course of delivering more dividends of democracy. We should pray for our president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that God should order his steps as he takes the nation to the horizon of prosperity.”
The governor also called for peace among the political class, saying that no concrete feat can be achieved in an atmosphere of discord.
Rev. Fr. Alia urged residents to also cooperate with security agencies in the onerous tasks of fostering security and peace in the state.
